Essays on the Human

Essays on the Human

Towards A Theology on Human Dignity

von SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai

In this book, SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai articulates a broader way of speaking of the human that goes beyond the Christian notions of Imago Dei. A deliberate attempt is made to deconstruct whiteness and shed light on the many ways this ideology and its praxis lead to dehumanizing tendencies. Unlike many works on racism that explore the issue from a specific geo-political context, this book has a global focus. It sheds light on global play of whiteness within the broader framework of global black studies; global Black women experiences; and interfaith realities. A unique marker of this book is that it is thoroughly interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary in its focus and content. It explores the theme of whiteness using interdisciplinary tools and methods from whiteness studies; cultural studies; decolonial studies; interfaith/comparative studies; philosophy; and theology.

“This volume will absolutely transform your understanding of the central contours of the human condition. Drawing upon the African experience as a source of vision, memory and imagination, the author poses numerous pivotal questions that reflect the concerns of a fascinating array of previous thinkers. If we are ever to overcome exclusion, forgetfulness, violence and domination to achieve integral human flourishing for all, the brand of liberative disruption advocated here will be decisive.”
— Thomas Massaro, S.J, McGinley Endowed Chair in Religion and Society, Fordham University.

“Aihiokhai’s book offers a brilliant theology of disruption that functions as an icon. His theology focuses readers’ attention on the creative potentiality of disruption which points beyond itself to the transcendent God. Disruption simultaneously discloses and conceals the divine character of creativity, transformation, and human hospitality to which it points. Aihiokhai’s deftly opens theology to a new horizon of meaning.”
— Nimi Wariboko, Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics, Director of African Studies Center, Boston University 

In this book, SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai articulates a broader way of speaking of the human that goes beyond the Christian notions of Imago Dei. A deliberate attempt is made to deconstruct whiteness and shed light on the many ways this ideology and its praxis lead to dehumanizing tendencies. Unlike many works on racism that explore the issue from a specific geo-political context, this book has a global focus. It sheds light on global play of whiteness within the broader framework of global black studies; global Black women experiences; and interfaith realities. A unique marker of this book is that it is thoroughly interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary in its focus and content. It explores the theme of whiteness using interdisciplinary tools and methods from whiteness studies; cultural studies; decolonial studies; interfaith/comparative studies; philosophy; and theology.

SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai is Professor of Theology (Systematics) and Religious Studies, and Affiliate Faculty of Ethnic Studies at the University of Portland, USA, and the author of several books, including Fostering Interreligious Encounters in Pluralist Societies: Hospitality and Friendship (Palgrave, 2019).

Highlights

• Reimagines the human beyond Imago Dei through global Black and decolonial perspectives Deconstructs whiteness as a global ideology shaping religion, culture, and power Interdisciplinary analysis bridging theology, philosophy, decolonial, and interfaith studies

Über den Autor

SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai is Professor of Theology (Systematics) and Religious Studies, and Affiliate Faculty of Ethnic Studies at the University of Portland, USA, and the author of several books, including Fostering Interreligious Encounters in Pluralist Societies: Hospitality and Friendship (Palgrave, 2019).